Holiday Wishes Story

“I missed a whole season of skiing with my son last year and I promised I wouldn’t miss another one.”

Once again, ski season is fast approaching. But for Sam, this season means something a little bit different – Sam is anxiously waiting for the first snowfall and a promise his father Blair intends to keep.

Just over a year ago, a midnight swim changed Blair Williams’ life forever.

Living in Haliburton, surrounded by lakes, trees and the comforts of a small town, Blair had made that dive off his dock countless times. But, unbeknownst to him, they were draining the lake to feed another local lake that had been affected by lower water levels - it was enough to change the water levels and Blair’s life forever.

No one needed to tell Blair he was paralyzed – he already knew.

“I heard my neck break. I was lying face down in the water telling myself to flip over onto my back and take a breath – that’s when I realized I couldn’t move my arms or legs.”

Under the water for almost 10 minutes, Blair spent 2 ½ months in ICU.
Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) Ontario’s Kingston staff connected with Blair and his family in the hospital.

“CPA Ontario changed my life. They connected me with others who had a similar spinal cord injury who were living on their own, working full-time jobs and traveling around the world.”

During rehab, Blair set a goal – to go skiing with Sam again this winter. An avid skier, Blair taught his son Sam how to ski at a young age.

“Skiing was a special time for me and Sam, it was our time together.”

Last winter, at CPA Ontario’s annual Ski and Snowboard Day Blair was able to once again, experience the thrill of gliding down a snow-packed mountain by using a sit-ski.

His dream of joining Sam back on the slopes became a reality.

“It was one of those experiences when you realize, anything is possible – even joining Sam on the ski slopes again! CPA Ontario truly opened doors for me – they not only helped me with the basic transitions from rehab to independent living, they also helped me teach a valuable lesson to my son – that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”

For more information of CPA Ontario's Annual Ski & Snowboard Day please click here